The love story of Nicholas and Helena Roerichs: life as a philosophical treatise

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

Love is a life-changing feeling. But, such love happens when teachings come into the world and discoveries are made. One of these stories, which became a gift for a large number of followers, was the union of two outstanding personalities Nicholas and Helena Roerichs.

Nicholas Roerich

The greatest artist, philosopher, public figure and traveler Nicholas Roerich is a significant person in world history. On his account, a large number of his works of art, which are considered the greatest cultural value, and literary works. Representatives of the Roerich family were engaged in social activities in high positions, both administrative and military. Nicholas Roerich graduated from the Academy of Arts, and while still a student was elected a member of the Russian Archaeological Society, then an academician of the Russian Academy of Arts. In his archaeological work, he achieved considerable success, having discovered Neolithic sites on Valdai.

The circle of friends of the Roerich family is the greatest personalities of that time. John of Kronstadt, after talking with Nicholas, gave him a spiritual parting word “Don't be sick! You will have to work hard for the Motherland!"

Elena Shaposhnikova

Elena - this name from Greek means "shining" - perfectly suited Elena Shaposhnikova (the future Roerich). Elena was born in the family of an architect and was the granddaughter of the famous field marshal Kutuzov. From an early age, the girl was unusually capable of languages, painting, music. Contemporaries said about young Elena that she was filled with inner charm and won over with her grace. Elena could make a brilliant party for a man from high society, but, in her own words, she was waiting for a man filled with talents, a minister of the arts, who would become both a teacher and a friend.

When two roads become one

Whether Elena foresaw a meeting with her future husband, or simply her desire was so great, but one summer day in the estate of Prince Putyagin she met the already famous artist Nicholas Roerich. After a while they got married. Those who knew Elena and Nikolai noted the incredible mutual understanding of the spouses and the harmony of their union.

Love, respect and support - relationships that spoke of the maturity of individuals, spiritual depth and wisdom. When they say that meetings are not accidental, we can say for sure that this is about the alliance of Helena and Nicholas Roerichs. Confirmation can be considered the fruits that their marriage gave to mankind.

For the benefit of art, culture, people

Being people of art, Nikolai - an artist, philosopher, Elena - conducts literary activity and writes books on spiritual transformation - with the help of influential acquaintances, they tried to provide support to their comrades-in-arms and people of creative professions. In New York, with the active assistance of the Roerichs, the Institute of United Arts was opened, where the main direction was the rapprochement of different peoples through art and culture. In Chicago, the Roerichs established an association of young artists "Flaming Hearts", then an international cultural center "The Crown of the World" appeared.

The Roerichs developed a draft Pact according to which cultural values will be inviolable and preserved during the war. Having found support in significant circles of the world community, this Pact was signed and laid the foundation for the Hague Convention for the Protection of the Values of Culture and Art. Elena constantly accompanied her husband throughout the exploration of the East and Asia. The question of whether to take a wife on a long journey never arose before Nikolai Konstantinovich. Fragile and graceful, Elena showed heroic fortitude, fortitude and calmness in difficult situations.

The Roerichs traveled all the way along the Great Indian Route together. And at the end of a long expedition, they settled in the Kullu valley, the region of the Western Himalayas. There they found their home, where they spent the most peaceful years of their lives. When Nicholas Roerich died in 1947, Elena left this house, unable to withstand its emptiness without her husband.

Bonus

“The works created by us must be signed with two names - male and female,” wrote Nikolai Konstantinovich about his life with Elena. Isn't this the best confession of your great love!